Russell Usauskas - Joint manipulations are generally quicker than strangulations due to the way they affect the body. When a wrist lock or arm lock is applied, the nervous system reacts immediately—pain is the instant response. This sharp feedback loop doesn’t exist in the same way with strangulations. Chokes require more precision and control, and often take longer to take effect. Rather than causing immediate pain, they work by restricting blood flow, eventually leading to unconsciousness.

This is a great question and I agree with Peter Thanos  and Marc Hansen white belt is often considered the most difficult rank in jiu jitsu — not because of technical complexity, but because of the mental and emotional challenges it brings. At this stage, everything is new: the movements, the language, the intensity, and the discomfort of being a beginner. Progress can feel slow 🐢, and frustration is common as white belts struggle to survive against more experienced training partners.

There’s also the internal battle — managing ego, dealing with failure, and staying motivated when wins are rare. Injuries can happen more easily due to tension and inexperience, and it’s easy to doubt yourself or question if jiu jitsu is for you.

But pushing through this phase builds the foundation 🧱 for everything that follows. Those who stick with it learn resilience, patience, and humility — traits that matter just as much as any technique.

Keep on training 👊

Exciting week ahead, team! 💥

Gi Intermediate will be focused on attacks from top control, while NoGi Intermediate will dive into top control escapes. 🛡️

You’re in for a treat—I’ll be traveling part of the week, and the mats will be in great hands with Daniel Bianchi, John Kats and Michael Liston stepping in to lead. Let’s keep the energy high and keep improving together! 💪

This leads us into a very interesting conversation of “what’s more efficient chokes or join manipulation”

One year is a long time, and this is a tough question—but if I had to choose, I’d go with the triangle choke. It’s hard to beat the combination of control, simplicity, and finishing power. When your opponent gives you just enough space to lock it in, and you’re able to secure the finish using your legs—that’s a huge statement. It’s not just a submission; it’s a demonstration of timing, awareness, and precision. A clean strangle, if left unchecked, ends the engagement decisively. And doing it all with your legs? That just takes the control to another level.

Keep training, stay sharp, and keep hunting those triangles.

Over the last few weeks in Kids NoGi, we’ve been working on transitioning from half guard to back control 🌀, and introducing key turtle position concepts 🐢.

This week, we shift focus to one of the most important systems every grappler should understand — especially in NoGi Jiu Jitsu:  🎯 Back Control Escapes!

Learning how to stay calm, protect the neck, and recover position from one of the toughest spots in grappling is a huge step forward for our young athletes 💪

See you on the mats! 🥋

I know I say this a lot… but it’s true every time — it’s going to be another great week ahead! 🙌

👊 In Fundamentals: we’ll focus on the most important escapes everyone should know — Side Control Escapes 

🧠 In Intermediate: it’s all about Top Control Escapes — how to stay calm, create space, and get out of tough spots 

If you ever find yourself stuck in one of these positions, this is the week to show up. Let’s level up together 💥

See you all on the mat! 🥋